Phytophthora species isolated from ash stands in Białowieża Forest nature reserve

Researchers have identified five Phytophthora species—Phytophthora fragariaefolia, P. plurivora, P. cactorum, P. lacustris, and P. pseudosyringae—in the near-pristine Białowieża Forest. Notably, this is the first record of P. fragariaefolia in ash-dominated forests, highlighting the presence of potentially damaging Phytophthora species within this ecologically significant ecosystem. The study used morphological and DNA analyses to confirm the identification of these pathogens from the rhizosphere of ash stands. The findings underscore the need for vigilance against Phytophthora-related threats in one of Europe's last remaining ancient forests.

Tkaczyk, M., Nowakowska, J. A., & Oszako, T. (2016). Phytophthora species isolated from ash stands in Białowieża Forest nature reserve. Forest Pathology, 46(6), 660–662. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12295